If you’re looking to kickstart or advance your career in ServiceNow, you’ve probably come across the CAD and CSA certifications. But which one should you pursue? Should you go for the CSA (Certified System Administrator) first, or dive straight into the CAD (Certified Application Developer)?
Choosing the right certification can be a bit confusing, especially when both options seem valuable. But don’t worry we’re breaking it down for you in a simple way so you can make an informed decision. Before we dive into the comparison, let’s get a quick overview of these certifications.
ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA)
The CSA certification is the foundation for anyone looking to work with ServiceNow. It validates your ability to configure, manage, and maintain the platform. Think of it as your entry ticket into the world of ServiceNow.
Who is it for?
• Beginners looking to start a career in ServiceNow
• IT professionals wanting to enhance their resume
• System administrators and support engineers
What does it cover?
• User interface & navigation
• Data management & security
• Application deployment
• Basic automation & scripting
ServiceNow Certified Application Developer (CAD)
The CAD certification is a step up from CSA. It focuses on developing applications within ServiceNow, making it ideal for those who want to build custom solutions.
Who is it for?
• Developers and software engineers
• CSA-certified professionals looking to specialize
• IT professionals with programming experience
What does it cover?
• Application development fundamentals
• Scripting and automation
• UI design & integration
• Security and data management
Key Differences Between CAD and CSA
CSA (Certified System Administrator)
Focus: System administration & platform management
Target Audience: Beginners & IT administrators
Skills Required: Basic ServiceNow knowledge
Exam Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Career Opportunities: System Administrator, Support Engineer, ITSM Specialist
CAD (Certified Application Developer)
Focus: Application development & customization
Target Audience: Developers & technical professionals
Skills Required: Programming & scripting experience
Exam Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Career Opportunities: Application Developer, Software Engineer, ServiceNow Consultant
Which Certification Should You Choose?
Now, let’s get to the big question: CSA or CAD?
Go for CSA if…
• You are new to ServiceNow and want to build a strong foundation.
• You are an IT professional looking to enhance your skills.
• You are aiming for a role in system administration or IT service management.
• You want an easier entry into the ServiceNow ecosystem.
Go for CAD if…
• You already have experience with ServiceNow (or have completed CSA).
• You enjoy coding and want to develop custom applications.
• You are looking for higher-paying technical roles.
• You want to work on ServiceNow implementations and integrations.
Can You Skip CSA and Go Straight for CAD?
Technically, yes. You don’t need to have a CSA certification to take the CAD exam. However, it’s highly recommended that you start with CSA, as it lays the groundwork for understanding the platform.
If you have prior development experience and are comfortable learning ServiceNow quickly, you will be able to jump straight to CAD. But for most professionals, CSA provides a solid base before diving into the complexities of development.
Career Opportunities & Salary Expectations
Wondering how these certifications can impact your career? Here’s a quick look at the salaries:
• ServiceNow System Administrator (CSA Certified): $56k - $117k per year
• ServiceNow Application Developer (CAD Certified): $114,700 - $194,900 per year
Of course, salaries depend on experience, location, and company, but CAD-certified professionals generally earn more due to their specialized skills.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re just starting out in ServiceNow, CSA is the best choice as it’s your foundation. Start preparing for this exam with ServiceNow CAD dumps you already have ServiceNow experience or a programming background, CAD can open doors to higher-paying and more technical roles.
The good news? You don’t have to choose just one! Many professionals earn both certifications to maximize their career opportunities.
Still not sure? Think about your long-term career goals. If you see yourself managing ServiceNow instances and handling administrative tasks, start with CSA. If you’re drawn to building apps and automating workflows, CAD might be your best bet.
Either way, investing in ServiceNow certifications is a smart move for a rewarding career.
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